Faq's

• When Someone Dies
  • Q. What do I need to do when someone dies?
  • Q. What happens when someone dies unexpectedly?
  • Q. How long does it take for a deceased to be released to the funeral directors after a post-mortem?
  • Q. What is a post-mortem or autopsy?
• About Embalming
  • Q. Does the body have to be embalmed?
  • Q. Why is embalming done?
  • Q. What sort of clothing does the deceased need?
  • Q. How much make-up is applied to the deceased?
• About Funeral Directors
  • Q. Do we need to use funeral directors?
• Viewing the deceased
  • Q. Is viewing the deceased recommended?
  • Q. Should children be allowed to view?
  • Q. How should the viewing process be handled?
  • Q. Can adults learn anything from children?
• The Funeral Service
  • Q. What things need to be considered when planning a funeral service?
  • Q. Should the family use a minister or a celebrant?
  • Q. Is there such a thing as funeral etiquette?
  • Q. What is the funeral procession?
  • Q. Should the funeral be an intimate or grand affair?
  • Q. Can I be confident Mannings are familiar with the customs/funeral rites of my specific religion?
• About Ashes
  • Q. What container are the ashes returned to the family in?
  • Q. Can I be sure the ashes that are returned to me are those of my family member?
  • Q. Can families scatter ashes wherever they like?
  • Q. How soon after the funeral should the family make a decision about the placement of ashes?
• Costs and Formalities
  • Q. How do I get a death certificate?
  • Q. What is the cost of a funeral?
  • Q. Where do I obtain funeral insurance?
  • Q. How do I organise a Prepaid Funeral

Can adults learn anything from children?

Most definitely. When my 32 year old cousin died of cancer, we adults all gathered around her casket and suddenly one of the children asked “why doesn’t Vicky have her glasses on?” We asked why she needed them and one little one responded“ because she can’t see the paintings we have drawn”. Since that time, I always ask families if their family member wore glasses, as not only do they serve a purpose, but they dramatically change a person’s appearance.